MINISTERS are facing an investigation from the statistics watchdog over claims they tried to "bury" news of poor primary school test results.

MINISTERS are facing an investigation from the statistics watchdog over claims they tried to "bury" news of poor primary school test results.

Figures last week showed the numbers of seven-year-olds who were competent in reading, writing and maths had fallen, while the government missed all its key targets for 11-year-olds.

But the primary school results were published at exactly the same time - 9.30am on Thursday August 24 - as GCSE results, which dominate news bulletins every year.

The timing was a break from tradition. In recent years, primary school figures have been released on the Tuesday, two days before GCSEs.

This change led to allegations that ministers were attempting to "bury" the damaging story of falling standards in primary schools and missed targets.

The Statistics Commission has now called for a formal explanation from the Department for Education and Skills. A formal investigation could follow.

Richard Alldritt, chief executive of the Statistics Commission, told the Press Association: "A concern was expressed to us that the timing of the release changed for reasons of political advantage or news management.

"Having had a verbal assurance from the DfES that that is not true, we have asked them for something in writing.

"We will consider whether to pursue the matter."

It was understood that the Commission had received a letter from the head of statistics at the DfES but had not yet been able to consider it.

The code of practice on government statistics states that figures should be released as soon as they become available.

Holding back primary school results - even for two days - in an attempt to gain political advantage would risk breaking the "spirit" of the code, if not the letter, according to sources at the Commission.

The controversial issue of "spin" has dogged Tony Blair's government since it came to power in 1997, with the most infamous example being that of former special adviser Jo Moore.

She sent an email to colleagues in which she suggested that the terror attacks on the US made September 11, 2001, a good day to bury bad news.

The furore prompted a review of government communications and fresh promises of an end to the era of spin.

David Willetts, the shadow education secretary, told the latest edition of the Times Educational Supplement that many people might suspect ministers were trying to "bury" the bad news of the primary school results.

"If so, it would not be the first time the government has sought to bury bad news in this way," he said.

But a spokesman for the Department for Education and Skills rejected the suggestion.

"The Statistics Commission has not launched an inquiry and we do not believe there is any reason for them to do so," he said.

"The (primary school) test results received widespread media coverage, not least because we highlighted the data in a national press release and ministers gave interviews to national broadcasters on the subject.

"Notification of the release of the statistics was issued well in advance of their publication.

"The publication of the data was carried out in accordance with the rules governing the publication of national statistics.

"The Department's chief statistician has confirmed to the Statistics Commission that the correct procedures were followed."